50 Miler Training RUndown 5/20-5/26

Happy Humpday! Last week was my second taper week. I also adjusted my training plan a bit because I didn’t want to go too much above 60 miles in the week (since I generally use the 10% rule every-other-week to add additional mileage). I did 57 miles the week before I began to taper, so around 60 was a good sweet-spot for me. SO that meant that I really only had around 10 miles to cover before race day (bonus when you run a really long race ; ) ….).

Monday, 5/20: Rest day. First day of classes!

Tuesday, 5/21: 4 miles with 4 x 2:00 surges (1 minute off)

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Wednesday, 5/22: 3 miles easy

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Thursday, 5/23: 30 minute hike at 12% incline on the treadmill & stretching

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Friday, 5/24: Rest Day. Picked up my bib!

Saturday, 5/25: 2 miles easy with 4 x :20 strides

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Sunday, 5/26: RACE DAY! 52.1 miles

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Total Mileage: 61.2 miles

Total Elevation: 5, 095’ up

7 THINGS Tuesday Edition

I have to keep reminding myself that it’s Tuesday. That means that I’ve got a 4 hour lab nice and early and then the afternoon to get some studying done. I have my first exam (already!) next week, so I’ll be beginning prep for that this week. I did NOT sleep well the night after the race mainly because my body was just incredibly stiff and the bed that I’m currently sleeping on (Alex arrives with the rest of our things next week!!!) is not the best. I woke up at 5am and couldn’t fall back asleep. I’m able to go up & down stairs (a bit better than I’ve felt going up/down stairs during some marathons) OK, but the thing that surprised me most about my soreness is my ribs/ back area. It’s funny how we use all sorts of different muscles on those really long runs! Flashback to Saturday morning on the screened-in porch.

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Went out for a nice and easy 2 mile run.

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Still in awe of how many STEPS I took on Sunday?!?

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Iced Coffee the next morning after a race is pure heaven. I really don’t think there is anything better than that.

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Still can’t believe how bloody my first loop shoes got. Also the back of my heel looks really really gross right now. So glad it’s flip flop season.

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Tried to clean my shoes the best way I could. Ha. I let the washer fill up with detergent and water and then soaked my shoes for a few minutes before dousing them in water and letting them dry outside.

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Also played hairstylist on Brady. That was fun for one of us. Don’t worry, I took the clothes pins off right after I took this photo ; )

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Have a great shortened week!

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How do you clean off your trail shoes? OR do you clean them?

Best thing after a race?

DID IT.

Happy Memorial Day! The best day to kick-off summer with cook-outs, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. I hope you have the BEST day. I’ll be having a pretty grand day because I DID IT!

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I’ve got my 50 miler race recap here for you.

I may have also bought out the entire Rite Aid with blister band-aids. Sorry if you needed some.

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Have a fantastic day!

It's TIME. 50 Miler Training Recap

The time is here! I can’t believe I’m going to be running 50 miles on Sunday?!? I’m really excited and no nerves (yet). My training honestly felt really strong and I’m mentally prepared thanks to my MS Run The US relay last year at this time. It’s supposed to be in the mid 70’s (so a bit warm) and possible thunderstorms later in the day (hopefully I’ll be finished before they start).

Flashback to many, many snowy runs!

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I gained so much elevation, continued with strength training three times a week, and somehow ended up with a half marathon PR.

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I also snagged a marathon PR

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I ran outside as much as possible and climbed as much elevation/ hilly routes as I could possibly find (since there was limited trail access during most of my training).

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I had some really mentally tough runs, including some double-digit runs where I was honestly so exhausted. BUT I pushed through them and find more strength within me than I knew I had.

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I got to run along the pacific ocean during my training!

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I also got to explore some trails before moving back to Maine and beginning the taper!

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I ran 858.50 miles this training cycle and gained 42, 579’ in elevation over 25 weeks. I feel strong, prepared, and ready.

I’ve got all of my food ready for my crew. I know I’ve overpacked and they’ll have a lot of stuff that I may want, but I also don’t want to leave anything to chance! I’ve got a few pairs of socks to change and various shoes (I hope to change them each of my three loops since it will be pretty muddy out there). My plan is to also eat something every 30-35 minutes (whether a gel or real food, but I want to try to stick to as much real food as I can).

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I picked up my bib today and saw the start/ finish line! So incredibly beautiful out there!

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Ready for a day of challenges, running, exploring, meeting new runners, and celebrating all of my training!

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Plans for the long weekend?!?

Anyone else racing this weekend? GOOD LUCK!